Recordings Surface In New Mexico Governor Race

Democrats are calling on Republican Gov. Susana Martinez to apologize after a liberal publication released recordings in which she and aides used profanity and offensive names to describe political opponents.

Martinez said the tapes are stolen recordings of private debate prep sessions when she was running for her first term four years ago. She called their release by Mother Jones "the absolute height of desperation" by liberals trying to unseat her. But she does admit having "to fund the cuss jar a few times."

Martinez responded to the tapes in a letter to supporters. Her campaign spokesman called them "cheap political attacks."

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Lawrence Rael has scheduled a news conference Wednesday to demand an apology and the removal of key aides.